Meeting people where they are: how to foster a culture of growth through listening
Creating a strong, intentional culture within an organization is not just about establishing a set of values; it's about breathing life into those values so that they resonate with every member of the team. When culture is thoughtfully woven into the fabric of daily operations, employees feel a sense of belonging and purpose, which is essential for retention. A positive culture acts as a magnet, attracting talent and encouraging them to stay and contribute their best work. It's the shared experiences, the recognition of achievements, and the support during challenges that build a community within the workplace. By consistently reinforcing the organization's core values through actions and decisions, leaders can cultivate an environment where employees are engaged, motivated, and aligned with the organization's mission.
Conversations with employees about their career aspirations is crucial in fostering growth and satisfaction. This dialogue opens up pathways for tailored professional development opportunities within the organization. By understanding what drives each individual, a manager can facilitate mentorships, provide resources for skill enhancement, and create roles or projects that align with employees' interests and strengths. This personalized approach not only helps employees progress towards their career goals but also demonstrates the organization's investment in their future. When employees see a clear trajectory for advancement and feel supported in their journey, they are more likely to remain loyal and invested in the organization's success. It's a win-win: the organization retains knowledgeable and skilled employees, and the employees thrive in a nurturing, opportunity-rich environment.
"I had a teacher in high school; his name was Mr. Wampum. And I remember one time questioning reading a book. It was required reading in ninth-grade English. I didn't see the relevance in it, and I asked him, 'Why do I have to read this?' And he said, 'Well, what do you want to read?' And I said, 'I like science fiction.' And he said, 'Alright, go find a science fiction book, read that, and then let's talk about it.' And that was such a powerful moment for me because it showed me that teachers can listen, teachers can meet you halfway." - Bob Cireddu
From Race Car Engineer to K-12 IT Leader: Bob Cireddu 's Journey to Founding EduTech Group
Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. The integration of technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for both students and educators.
In this episode of the?Learning Through Technology?podcast, your co-host, Bob Cireddu , slips into the guest chair as we listen to his journey from a race car engineer to an EdTech leader and Founder and CTO of the?Edutech Group, a collaborative IT organization dedicated to providing schools with exceptional IT support and leadership.
Join us as we delve into the world of educational technology and Bob’s journey as the founder of the EduTech Group. From passions that include race car engineering to collecting watches, Bob's eclectic background adds a unique perspective to his role in K-12 operational IT.?
Discover the challenges faced by Bob's team and how they built a successful business through talent, growth, and a commitment to continuous learning. Gain insights into the importance of building strong client relationships and fostering a supportive team dynamic in a remote working environment.
Some of the talking points of the episode include:
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Founder of EduTech Group
Bob and his team have taken decades' worth of experience in network and project management in the K-12 space and created a pragmatic system to serve both the school and the students. Every project they execute is managed down to the last detail to execute the work efficiently and cost-effectively.?
The shared services model he created for IT support is ingenious in that it leverages a team of elite, experienced professionals to service a broad customer base. This results in a pointed and streamlined approach, ultimately driving down costs for districts by sharing talented support staff members.
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Your thoughts drive our conversations! What topics are on your mind? We value your input – share what matters to you here. Need help implementing what we talked about in this episode in your school? Contact us here.
At STS Education, we put student outcomes and teacher effectiveness at the center of everything that we do. Our goal is to be the bridge that connects communities of educators so that they can fulfill the promise of learning through technology.